Fence panel system

ABSTRACT

A fence panel system includes a plurality of fence panels positioned in a line, each of the fence panels coupled together in series by a plurality of rail members that extend horizontally between a plurality of fence posts, where each of the fence panels having a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge with each of the side edges configured to receive a side edge of a second fence panel to form a vertical connection, and where each of the fence panels includes a plurality of mesas traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge. The fence panel system can further include a plurality of fasteners to connect the plurality of fence panels to the plurality of rail members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The field of the invention generally relates to fence systems and components, and more particularly to a fence system to provide containment, decoration, noise insulation, and security.

Description of the Related Art

The use of fencing is important in many applications. Fences of a solid-wall construction, that is, fences forming a solid barrier, are commonly used in industrial and construction applications. A properly constructed solid-walled fence can provide a secure industrial environment while preventing noise that is produced by industrial activity from leaving the industrial area. Thus, a solid-walled fence can act as a noise barrier, allowing industrial activity to occur in a residential area with reduced noise disturbance to the residents. Solid-walled fences can be used also as noise barriers to prevent noise generated by highway construction from invading adjoining residential areas. Solid-walled fences used as noise barriers can define single or double solid barriers. The space between the walls of double solid barriers either can be empty or can be filled with a sound absorbing material.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to fence panel systems and provide a novel and non-obvious fence panel system adapted for providing various types of fence panel systems. In one embodiment of the invention, a fence panel system includes a plurality of fence panels positioned in a line, each of the fence panels coupled together in series by a plurality of rail members that extend horizontally between a plurality of fence posts, where each of the fence panels having a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge with each of the side edges configured to receive a side edge of a second fence panel to form a vertical connection, and where each of the fence panels includes a plurality of mesas, plateaus or steps traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge. In another aspect of the embodiment, the fence panel system can further include a plurality of fasteners to connect the plurality of fence panels to the plurality of rail members.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first edge and the second edge have a v-shaped channel configured to form the connection of the fence panel system. In another embodiment of the invention, where the first edge and the second edge have a circular-shaped channel configured to form the connection of the fence panel system.

In another embodiment of the invention, a fence panel is provided. The fence panel includes a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, a plurality of mesas traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge, where the first side edge defines a first end channel, where the second side edge defines a second end channel where the plurality of mesas includes a center mesa and at least one adjacent mesa with a depth offset from the center mesa.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portion of a fence including a plurality of fence panels constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention which are secured between fence posts extending from the ground;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fence panel system with a break-away to illustrate an indeterminant length feature of the fence panel and assembled in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a portion of a fence including a plurality of fence panels constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the fence panel system shown in FIG. 2 with multiple interlocked fence panels of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the fence of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is an exploded top view of a portion of the fence of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a fence panel with a break-away to illustrate an indeterminant length feature of the fence panel of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the fence panel shown in FIG. 6 with a break-away to illustrate an indeterminant length feature of the fence panel of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the fence panel shown in FIG. 6 with a break-away to illustrate an indeterminant length feature of the fence panel of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view thereof and includes some dimensional lines to illustrate length and depth of the mesas;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view thereof and includes some dimensional lines to illustrate length and depth of the mesas: and

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the connection of the fence panels which has a semicircle end to provide the connection of two fence panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to fence panel systems and provide a novel and non-obvious fence panel system adapted for providing various types of fence panel systems. In one embodiment of the invention, a fence panel system includes a plurality of fence panels positioned in a line, each of the fence panels coupled together in series by a plurality of rail members that extend horizontally between a plurality of fence posts, where each of the fence panels having a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge with each of the side edges configured to receive a side edge of a second fence panel to form a vertical connection, and where each of the fence panels includes a plurality of mesas, plateaus or steps traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge. In another aspect of the embodiment, the fence panel system can further include a plurality of fasteners to connect the plurality of fence panels to the plurality of rail members. In another embodiment, a fence panel includes a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, a plurality of mesas, plateaus or steps traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge, where the first side edge defines a first end channel, where the second side edge defines a second end channel where the plurality of mesas includes a center mesa and at least one adjacent mesa with a depth offset from the center mesa.

FIG. 1 shows a portion of a fence 100 and more particularly a portion of an example metal fence. When fence 100 is a completed, assembled fence 100 is built to stand in and rise vertically from the ground 102. In different embodiments, the fence 100 can be built in various environments and the ground 102 can include different types of earth, dirt, soil, rock, etc. In some embodiments, the fence 100 may be supported above the ground 102, such as, for example, by fence post supports extending above the ground 102. Fence 100 includes a first fence panel 104, a second fence panel 106, a third fence panel 108 and a fourth fence panel 109 all of similar construction. Fence 100 also includes a first fence post 110 and a second fence post 112. The fence posts 110, 112 are positioned and supported within respective fence post footings 118, 120 formed in the ground 102. The first fence panel 104 is supported, via its adjacent fence panel, at one end by the first fence post 110, the second fence panel 106 is supported, via its adjacent fence panel, by the second fence post 112, and the third fence panel 108 is supported at one end, via its adjacent fence panel, by the second fence post 112. The fence panels 104, 106, and 108 can be coupled to the fence posts 110, 112 using nails, screws (e.g., kwik flex screws), bolts, or other mechanical fasteners and/or brackets or other fence hardware. Alternatively, first fence panel 104 is supported by the top rail member 114 and the bottom rail member 116. The fence panels 104, 106, and 108 can be coupled to the top rail member 114 and the bottom rail member 116 using nails, screws (e.g., kwik flex screw), bolts, or other mechanical fasteners and/or brackets or other fence hardware.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the components of a fence 200. The fence 200 of the example embodiment includes the following components: fence panels 210, panel rail members 114, 116 (shown in FIG. 1), and connection 212. When the fence panel 200 is fully constructed, the plurality of fence panels 210 are positioned in a linear arrangement and coupled together via the connections 212, which extend between opposing lateral ends 202, 204 of the fence panel 200, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As can be appreciated from the exploded view of FIG. 5, each fence panel system 200 may include a plurality of vertical fence panels or pickets 210 (four shown) coupled together by horizontal rail members 114, 116 that extend between opposing lateral ends 202, 204 of the fence panel system 200. In addition, a respective fence assembly connection 212 can be created by between adjacent ones of fence panels 210 to provide a releasable connection joint between the fence panel assemblies 210.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the fence panel system shown in FIG. 2 with multiple interlocked fence panels of the present invention. Fence panel system 200 has a first end 202 and a second end 204. There are a series of interconnected fence panels 210 between first end 202 and second end 204. The connections 212 connect the series (plurality) of fence panels 210 one to the other. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, connection flange 214 of one edge of a fence panel 210 is adapted or configured to receive a connection flange 216 of another edge of a second fence panel 210. The interlocking of connection flange 214 and connection flange 216 form connection 212. In one embodiment, the connection flange 214, 216 is a v-shaped channel 922 (FIG. 9) configured to form an interlocking connection 212. In another embodiment, the connection flange 214, 216 is a semi-circular shaped channel 1122 (FIG. 11) configured to form an interlocking connection 212. Other various shaped channels can provide interlocking connection 212 for fence panel system 200.

FIG. 5 is an exploded top view of a portion of the fence of FIG. 4, In embodiments, FIG. 5 illustrates how connection flanges 214 and 216 can interlock to form connections 212 between fence panels or pickets 210. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a fence panel with a break-away to illustrate an indeterminant length feature of the fence panel of the present invention. In one embodiment the length feature of the fence panel can be six feet with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 inches. In other embodiments, the length feature my extent two or more feet about the six feet length feature. FIG. 7 is a left side vie of the fence panel 210 shown in FIG. 6 with a break-away to illustrate an indeterminant length feature of the fence panel of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a right side view of the fence panel 210 shown in FIG. 6 with a break-away to illustrate an indeterminant length feature of the fence panel of the present invention. The fence panels 210 can be pressed from a solid sheet of metal using a metal press with a detailed roller. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, a fence panel includes a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, a plurality of mesas, plateaus or steps traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge, where the first side edge defines a first end channel, where the second side edge defines a second end channel where the plurality of mesas includes a center mesa and at least one adjacent mesa with a depth offset from the center mesa.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the fence panel of FIG. 6 and includes some dimensional lines to illustrate length and depth of the mesas. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a center mesa, plateau or step 918 is identified. To the left and to the right of center mesa 918, a series of mesas, plateaus or steps can extend to the edges 902 and 904 of the fence panel system 900. Each of the mesas, plateaus or steps of the series of mesas, plateaus or steps can vary in length and therefore vary the overall strength of the fence panel system 900. FIG. 9 illustrates that the center mesa 918 can have a length A. FIG. 9 further illustrates that mesa 916 can have a length B-A, while mesa 912 can have a length C-B. In one embodiment, the center mesa 918 can have a length of 5/16 inches, while mesa 916 has a length of ⅞ inches, mesa 912 has a length of ⅞ inches and mesa 908 has a length of ⅞ inches. In this embodiment, the tolerance for the lengths of the mesas 908, 912, 916 and 918 can be plus or minus (+/−) 1/16 inches. In another embodiment, the tolerance for the lengths of the mesas 908, 912, 916 and 918 can be plus or minus (+/−) 3/32 inches. The fence panels 900 can be pressed from a solid sheet of metal using a metal press with a roller that is configured to cause the series of mesas to be formed into the solid sheet of metal. The lengths of the mesas, plateaus or steps 908, 912, 916 and 918 can be altered to using a roller that is configured to cause different lengths of mesas in the solid sheet of metal.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the fence panel of FIG. 6 and includes some dimensional lines to illustrate length and depth of the mesas. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a center mesa 918 is identified, which can have a depth of C. To the left and to the right of center mesa 918, a series of mesas can extend to the edges 902 and 904 of the fence panel system 900. FIG. 10 further illustrates that mesas 910, 912 can have a depth of B, while end channels of edges 902 and 904 can have a depth of A. Thus, a fence panel 900 can have a plurality of mesas that includes a center mesa 918 and two or more adjacent mesas 914, 916, 912 and 910 with depths that are offset from the center mesa 918. In one embodiment, mesas 914 and 916 can have a depth of 2/16 inches, while mesas 910, 912 can have a depth of ¼ inches, mesas 906, 908 can have a depth of ⅜ inches and end channels 922, 924 can have a depth of 5/16 inches. In this embodiment, the tolerance for the depths of the mesas 910, 914 and 918, and end channels of edges 902 and 904 can be plus or minus (+/−) 1/16 inches. In another embodiment, the tolerance for the depths of the mesas 910, 914 and 918, and end channels of edges 902 and 904 can be plus or minus (+/−) 1/32 inches.

FIG. 11 is partial fence panel 1100 of another embodiment of fence panels 1100 which has a semicircular end 1122 to provide the vertical connection of two fence panels 1100.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, but the invention is not limited only to the particular constructions disclosed and shown in the drawings as examples, and also comprises the subject matter and such reasonable modifications or equivalents as are encompassed within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fence panel system comprising: a plurality of fence panels positioned in a line, each of the fence panels coupled together in series by a plurality of rail members that extend horizontally between a plurality of fence posts; each of the fence panels having a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, each of the side edges configured to receive a side edge of a second fence panel to form a vertical connection; and each of the fence panels having a plurality of mesas traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge.
 2. The fence panel system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of fasteners to connect the plurality of fence panels to the plurality of rail members.
 3. The fence panel system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fasteners are flex screws.
 4. The fence panel system of claim 1, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge each includes a v-shaped channel configured to form the vertical connection of the plurality of fence panels positioned in a line.
 5. The fence panel system of claim 1, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge each includes a circular-shaped channel configured to form the vertical connection.
 6. The fence panel system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mesas includes a center mesa.
 7. The fence panel system of claim 6, wherein the center mesa that has a length 5/16 of an inch.
 8. The fence panel system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mesas includes a center mesa and at least two adjacent mesas having depths offset from the center mesa.
 9. The fence panel system of claim 8, wherein the at least two adjacent mesas have depth offsets of ¼ inches.
 10. The fence panel system of claim 1, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge each includes an end channel configured to form the vertical connection of the plurality of fence panels positioned in a line, wherein the end channel has a depth offset of 5/16 inches.
 11. A fence panel comprising: a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge; a plurality of mesas traversing from the first side edge to the second side edge; wherein the first side edge defines a first end channel; wherein the second side edge defines a second end channel; wherein the plurality of mesas includes a center mesa and at least one adjacent mesa with a depth offset from the center mesa. 